A national report published by the Stroke Association this week says patients are being ‘failed’ by pressures on the NHS and inequalities in care.
The report, ‘Unlocking potential: a bold vision for stroke care in England’, warned of a “postcode lottery in access to treatment and rehabilitation”, while citing ambulance waits and long handover times for delaying patients’ access to treatment.
Approximately 100,000 people suffer a stroke every year, with 1 in 4 survivors going on to have another stroke within five years. 42% of stroke survivors struggle with day-to-day activities and three quarters experience a change in their mental health.
Postcode lottery of care
According to the Stroke Association many patients could benefit from thrombolysis, a procedure that breaks up blood clots.
However, the report states that treatment rates in 2023/24 varied significantly with 13.82% of patients receiving thrombolysis in the East of England, compared with 10.09% in the Midlands and a national average of 11.6%.
Thrombectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the blood clot that is typically performed after thrombolysis. The East of England has a thrombectomy rate of 1.11% in 2023/24, compared with 6.31% in the South West and 4.80% in the North West.
Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association
Summary
The report summarises that “critical gaps and inequities of access continue to jeopardise lives and long-term recoveries”. It goes on to say that without urgent action the Government will not meet the target outlined in its 10 Year Health Plan to reduce deaths from heart attacks and strokes by 25% by 2035.
Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, said: “The 10 Year Health Plan is an extraordinary opportunity to transform healthcare and the many vital aspects which impact on the lives of stroke patients. Stroke rates keep rising, particularly amongst younger people, yet NHS pressures and deep inequalities in care across the country are failing patients.
“The Stroke Association supports thousands of patients and their loved ones every year, so we know first-hand the challenges that stroke survivors face due to the unfair and avoidable inequalities that continue to blight stroke care. Innovations such as PVT must be extended to ensure that every stroke survivor benefits from the incredible medical and digital advances we now have.
“Through clear steps in the 10 Year Health Plan, we’re calling on the Government to show the conviction and leadership needed to reset cardiovascular care and put it on a trajectory toward equity, innovation, and excellence across the country.”
You can read the full report here.
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